Crawford’s injury provides an opportunity for Texas A&M alum Bass

OXNARD, Calif. – With defensive end Tyrone Crawford having possibly suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Sunday’s practice, the Cowboys will be looking both inside and outside the organization for players to fill his role.

“It gives them (other defensive lineman on the roster) a great opportunity to step up, a guy like Ben Bass,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. “A lot of these guys are going to get more opportunities. This is part of our game. It’s disappointing because Crawford was probably our top young defensive lineman.”

The Cowboys like the progress the 6-foot-5, 294-pound Bass has made since he joined the club as an undrafted free agent two years ago. During minicamp in June, Bass had an outstanding practice one day, recording a sack and tipping a Kyle Orton pass to defensive tackle Sean Lissemore for an interception.